Gaston Co. man killed in motorcycle crash Saturday

GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — Some family members came back to the scene off of Highway 321 on Sunday, trying to figure out how the crash happened.

They said it was Calvin Rodden who gave them the passion to ride.

Riding motorcycles is not just a passion for John Rodden – it is an obsession.

"This is my transportation unless it is raining," he said.

It was his oldest brother, Calvin, who started the love for riding, which came with a price on Saturday afternoon.

"Because of some kind of negligence, now there's a void," said John Rodden.

Troopers said the 58-year-old was traveling down Highway 321 near Clover when a 22-year-old woman pulled out too fast from the Dixie Diner parking lot in front of Calvin. He could not stop in time to miss her, and hit her instead.

"I don't blame her. I'm not mad at her. I guess what I hope comes out of this, is that people go back and remember what they were taught back in driver's ed," said John Rodden.

The family wants people to slow down and watch out for others on the road and in life.

They said that is what Calvin did.

He was known as their Santa Claus because of his kind heart and of course looks.

"He looked like this and I said oh my gosh, that is Santa Claus and I wish I had a picture. No you just have the memory? Yes. Is that enough? It has to be," said John Rodden.

John Rodden has a plan to remember his brother.

"I'm going to put his portrait right here. That way he can still ride," he said.

He hopes that drivers and riders remember to consider each other on the road.

"Slow down, enjoy life. We're going through it too fast as it is," he said.

The family made plans on Sunday to hold a memorial service for Rodden Saturday at Greene's Memorial Home.

Family members plan to have a full motorcycle processional; they believe that is what Calvin would have wanted.

WSOC